Dualchannel DDR

  • Thread starter Thread starter DevilsPGD
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DevilsPGD

Hopefully this isn't too stupid a question...

I currently have 2x512MB DDRs, I need to upgrade my RAM a little...

If I were to purchase another pack of 2x512MB dual channel DDRs and add
them to the system, can I still use dual channel?

In other words, do each of the two banks need to be matches to the other
bank, or do I just need to match the RAM within each bank?

I'll purchase RAM as nearly identical to what I already use as I can,
but it won't be the same lot number.
 
DevilsPGD said:
Hopefully this isn't too stupid a question...

I currently have 2x512MB DDRs, I need to upgrade my RAM a little...

If I were to purchase another pack of 2x512MB dual channel DDRs and add
them to the system, can I still use dual channel?

In other words, do each of the two banks need to be matches to the other
bank, or do I just need to match the RAM within each bank?

I'll purchase RAM as nearly identical to what I already use as I can,
but it won't be the same lot number.
Click to expand...

You will not be able to use dual channel. There are only 2 slots that allow
for dual channle if you throw ram in any others it bumps it back to single
channel.
 
In message <<[email protected]>> "Chris Stolworthy"
You will not be able to use dual channel. There are only 2 slots that allow
for dual channle if you throw ram in any others it bumps it back to single
channel.
Click to expand...

That is inconsistent with the manual, and my reading online...

GA-8IPE1000 Pro3 supports the Dual Channel Technology. After operating
the Dual Channel Technology, the bandwidth of Memory Bus will add double
up to 6.4GB/s.

GA-8IPE1000 Pro3 includes 4 DIMM sockets, and each Channel has two DIMM
sockets as following:

Channel A : DIMM 1, DIMM 2

Channel B : DIMM 3, DIMM 4

If you want to operate the Dual Channel Technology, please note the
following explanations due to the limitation of Intel® chipset
specifications.

1. Only one DDR memory module is installed: The Dual Channel Technology
can't operate when only one DDR memory module is installed.

2. Two DDR memory modules are installed (the same memory size and type):
The Dual Channel Technology will operate when two memory modules are
inserted individually into Channel A and B. If you install two memory
modules in the same channel, the Dual Channel Technology will not
operate.

3. Three DDR memory modules are installed: Please note that The Dual
Channel Technology will not operate when three DDR memory modules are
installed; part of them will not be detected.

4. Four DDR memory modules are installed: If you install four memory
modules at the same time, the Dual Channel Technology will operate only
when those modules have the same memory size and type.

My question was more "how close a match does the second batch need to
be"
 
I think Chris is wrong on this. I have a Gigabyte mobo as well and I can use
both channels. I think your mobo can handle up to 4GB of dual channel
memory. With regard to your other question I'm pretty sure that as long as
the memory sticks are matched in pairs it doesn't matter if you use
different pairs. Like you said, you just need to match the ram within each
bank.

Cheers.

Si
 
In message <<[email protected]>> "Si"
I think Chris is wrong on this. I have a Gigabyte mobo as well and I can use
both channels. I think your mobo can handle up to 4GB of dual channel
memory. With regard to your other question I'm pretty sure that as long as
the memory sticks are matched in pairs it doesn't matter if you use
different pairs. Like you said, you just need to match the ram within each
bank.
Click to expand...

That's my reading as well -- It's definitely possible to run dual
channel DDR with 1 or 2 pairs though, the manual is very clear about
that.

I'll probably just do it, I think I can get "identical" pieces of DDR,
but we'll see.
 
in theory, just match type, speed, and size.

but in practice, it is highly adviseable to not only get 4 identical
modules from the same manufacturer but to also get all of them from
the same lot.

because of the flakiness of DDR operation, most memory manufacturers
will honor this request. I build systems and I request same lots
modules all the time. i havent had an issue with any system so far,
but i do know people who have had good MB's and highly regarded
memory and still had problems.

one guy i know had a Asus P4C-800 board with Corsair memory and it
wouldnt fly. I have built 7 systems in the past 3 months with either
the P4P-800 or P4P-800E board with bargain crucial memory with out a
hitch.

basically, it simply boils down to the fact that you have to just try
and see. make sure you can get an exchange first before you buy. if
they wont do it, go elsewhere, there are plenty of vendors who will.

==============
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in theory, just match type, speed, and size.

but in practice, it is highly adviseable to not only get 4 identical
modules from the same manufacturer but to also get all of them from
the same lot.

because of the flakiness of DDR operation, most memory manufacturers
will honor this request. I build systems and I request same lots
modules all the time. i havent had an issue with any system so far,
but i do know people who have had good MB's and highly regarded
memory and still had problems.
Click to expand...

If I was going to replace all the RAM in the system, then I wouldn't
think twice. Unfortunately it's beyond my budget to replace the 2x512MB
already installed, so I'm just planning on buying 2x512MB to add to the
system. I should be able to match brand, type, speed, size and
everything, but it's doubtful I'll be able to match the lot, it's been a
couple months since I built the box.
basically, it simply boils down to the fact that you have to just try
and see. make sure you can get an exchange first before you buy. if
they wont do it, go elsewhere, there are plenty of vendors who will.
Click to expand...

Returns and exchanges are no problem, within 7 days at the place I
usually buy from. Best deal in town other then my wholesalers, and even
then unless I'm buying more then a few hundred dollars worth of stuff,
it's not worth the hassle to deal with the wholesalers.

I think you're right, I pretty much just need to try and see. I've got
a laptop too, so I can just let memtest86 run on the box with the new
RAM for a day or two and see what happens.
 
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